[2026] Motivation Boost! A Collection of Classic Western Songs to Listen to Before a Match

DriveEd Sheeran

Ed Sheeran – Drive (From F1® The Movie) [Official Music Video]

[Japanese to English Translation] Ed Sheeran – Drive (From F1® The Movie) Theme Song for the Film “F1”

Ed Sheeran, the British singer-songwriter who continues to captivate the world with acoustic classics.

The track I want to introduce as his full-throttle rock pep song is this one.

Featured on the official soundtrack for the film “F1: The Movie,” released in June 2025, it’s been crafted into a driving anthem brimming with a sense of speed.

The powerful performances by the likes of John Mayer and Dave Grohl deliver a sound tailor-made for all of you taking on the race that is entrance exams.

When you’re down about a mock test result or can’t find the motivation, give it a listen—you’ll feel the energy to start running again.

Be sure to check it out!

Eye of the TigerSurvivor

Eye of the Tiger — Survivor

A song by the rock band Survivor, formed in Chicago, USA, in 1977.

The track became a worldwide hit as the theme song for the 1982 film Rocky III.

In Japan, it’s still frequently used in sports and variety shows, so you’ve probably heard it even if you aren’t familiar with the band or the movie.

Boosted by the film’s image, it’s the perfect number for focusing your mind and cranking your energy to the max before a battle begins.

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Hoshino Takashi

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TGIFGloRilla

GloRilla – TGIF (Official Music Video)

Characterized by a powerful, energetic sound, this track fully captures the sense of freedom on a Friday night.

GloRilla’s confident rap and the trap beat weave a unique and compelling world.

Released on June 21, 2024, it has received high acclaim, including being selected by Time magazine as one of the Best Songs of 2024.

It’s recommended for anyone who wants to get hyped before a game or enjoy a weekend party.

This is a song that celebrates freedom and gives you the courage to live as yourself without worrying about others’ eyes.

NightcallKavinsky

JO PARIS 2024 – Le magnifique “Nightcall” par PHOENIX, ANGÈLE et KAVINSKY au Stade de France

Kavinsky is a French producer known for his retro-futuristic style reminiscent of ’80s movies and video games.

This track is an electro-pop classic, marked by wistful synth tones that feel like racing down a highway at night and guest vocals that are cold yet alluring.

Originally released as a single in 2010, it gained worldwide popularity after opening the 2011 film Drive.

More recently, many will remember the performance at the closing ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympics, where a dreamlike stage with Phoenix captivated viewers.

It’s a perfect song not only for night drives but also for quietly stoking your fighting spirit.

Harder Than You ThinkPublic Enemy

Public Enemy – Harder Than You Think – UK Paralympics Version

Many people can’t help but feel their hearts swell when they hear the resounding blare of horns and a heavy, thunderous beat.

Public Enemy—a group that changed hip-hop history with socially charged messages and innovative sound.

The classic “Harder Than You Think” comes from their 2007 album, How You Sell Soul to a Soulless People Who Sold Their Soul?, released to mark the group’s 20th anniversary.

In fact, years after its release, the track enjoyed a massive resurgence when it was used in Channel 4’s campaign for the London 2012 Paralympics in August, becoming a huge hit in the UK.

Its powerful lyrics and sound, which feel like they’re pushing back against adversity, make it perfect before a sporting event or at any crucial moment when you want to fire yourself up.

Drop It Like It’s Hot (ft. Pharrell Williams)Snoop Dogg

Snoop Dogg & Dr Dre at the #Paris2024 Closing Ceremony

Snoop Dogg is an iconic figure in West Coast hip-hop who, in recent years, has also become popular as a commentator and TV personality.

The track in question was included on his 2004 album R&G (Rhythm & Gangsta): The Masterpiece.

Featuring producer Pharrell Williams as a guest, it’s characterized by a minimalist beat pared down to the extreme, punctuated by tongue clicks and finger snaps.

At the closing ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympics, he performed this song as part of the handover to the next host city, Los Angeles, electrifying audiences around the world.

It’s the perfect track for anyone wanting to savor the afterglow of the Games while feeling the cool breeze of the West Coast.

The FlameTina Arena

Tina Arena – The Flame | Sydney 2000 Olympics Opening Ceremony

Tina Arena is one of Australia’s leading divas.

A powerhouse who’s been inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame, she drew worldwide attention with The Flame, performed at the opening ceremony of the Sydney Olympics in September 2000.

Composed by John Foreman, the piece is characterized by its majestic orchestral pop sound, perfectly suited to the theme of the Olympic flame.

Her vocals, which crowned the ceremony’s climax, combined strength and elegance, captivating not only the stadium audience but countless viewers as well.

This historic track is also included on the album The Games of the XXVII Olympiad 2000: Music from the Opening Ceremony, so if you’d like to relive the excitement of that time, be sure to check it out.